Service Generator (Oil, Filter & Spark Plugs)

Service your generator once a year (or every 100–200 hours of operation, whichever comes first). Change the engine oil using the grade specified in your owner's manual — typically 10W-30 for air-cooled engines. Replace the oil filter if your model has one. Replace the air filter (foam or paper element) — a clogged filter causes rich running and excessive fuel consumption. Inspect and replace spark plugs if electrodes are worn or fouled — this is the most common cause of hard starting. Check and clean the carburetor if the generator was stored with old fuel. Test the battery (for electric-start models) and replace if it holds less than 12.4V under no load. Inspect the fuel filter and replace annually. For standby propane/natural gas generators, also check the automatic transfer switch contacts for corrosion. Log the date of service and engine hours. A properly serviced generator will start within two pulls and run cleanly — an unserviced one often fails at the worst possible moment.